Italians love it when you try their language, so even a few words earn a big smile. Master these five and you'll have everything you need to start a friendly conversation.
- Ciao! / Buongiorno! — chow / bwohn-JOR-noh — Hi / Good morning. Ciao is casual; buongiorno is a touch more polite.
- Come stai? — KOH-meh STAI — How are you? Reply Bene, grazie (Well, thanks).
- Mi chiamo… — mee KYAH-moh — My name is… Then E tu? (And you?).
- Per favore / Grazie — pehr fah-VOH-reh / GRAH-tsyeh — Please / Thank you.
- Non capisco — nohn kah-PEES-koh — I don't understand. Add Puoi ripetere? (Can you repeat?).
Phrases like these are the doorway, not the destination. Say them to a real Italian speaker and the conversation — and your confidence — grows from there.
